4 Important Lessons I’ve Learned Travelling the World

As I get giddy prepare for the remaining trips of the year, I’m so excited and pumped to head out on new adventures; some that will help me relive old memories and others helping to creating new ones.

Sure, the photos of cities and countries and continents around the world are absolutely amazing as I go in shutter bug mode when I travel…I mean have you seen my Instagram? I go insanely crazy with the photo posting because as a writer, it’s my way of telling and sharing the story of my life changing journeys through photos and videos.

While the souvenirs, stories and even friends are great to bring back home, I’ve packed and toted so many lessons with me on my trips. Lessons that have really helped to shape my everyday life.

I sometimes never even realise how much travel is impacting my life until someone asks, “What do you get out of travelling so much?” The answers to this question are endless, but four big lessons come to mind instantly.

Lesson #1

Trust is a must

UGGHHHHHH! I’m a Sagittarius and it’s in my nature to always be weary, cautious and…sometimes untrusting of people; it’s not my fault I was born this way…blame the stars! But when you’re miles and miles away from home, it’s 4am and cab driver is dropping you off at some building he says is your apartment, you have no choice but to trust him. When you’re propped at the roadside food stalls, hungry as a cow and the “chef” says it’s chicken…bruh, either you eating or nah?! Even when you travel with friends, family and coworkers, there’s a new level of trust that’s needed to make the trip work. I’m (slowly) learning that not everyone is out to get me and it’s ok to relinquish some power to people, even a complete stranger, travel taught me that.

Lesson #2

The “perfect time” is a myth

The perfect time to travel, the perfect time to fall in love, the perfect time to follow your big dreams, the perfect time to do anything simply doesn’t exist. What does exist is the will to get things done. Timing is everything…and also nothing when you travel and that lesson has helped me in my everyday life. We like to trick ourselves into thinking that we need the perfect circumstances, right amount of money, right time of year for vacation and the perfect people to travel with, in order to travel. Issa lie! All you need is the courage, the mindset and the will to make moves. This rings true in everyday life, so stop waiting for “perfect timing” while “right now” stares you in the face. LESSONS!!!

Lesson #3

Travel, like life, is personal

So, so, so personal! Each experience, each location, each journey was designed specifically for you. Just as you carefully choose your career path, your lifestyle patterns, what you eat each day, who you marry, date and dump, travel is yet another personal and private thing, jealously guard it. Each experience is crafted to speak to who you are as a person and where you’re at in your life; the same is true of all of your life experiences.Your life’s path was created for you, no one else can walk in your shoes and do it like you, trust me!

Lesson #4

There’s no place like home

I’d need eight extra hands and 10 extra set of feet to count the times I sat in airports around the world crying that I was headed back home. I just wasn’t ready for the fun to be over. But the minute the plane landed on home soil, my heart swelled with pride and familiarity. My family plays such a big role in my life and being away from them for long periods of time as I traverse a new land, is tough. Even though I find the nearest cell phone shop and get a SIM card to keep in touch with them throughout the trip, there’s nothing like seeing their faces! No matter how far I go, how much I fall in love with a new city, home is where the heart is…and my bed! Travel is tiring! Lol!

What are your travel lessons? Share in the comments below!

6 Responses

Kera

August 15, 2017

This was amazing and something I can relate to as a result of a recent trip. My family and I ( 2 adults, 2 small children) visited Panama City, Panama a few weeks ago. I was nervous about the driver at first, but became comfortable (trust)…when we finally arrived to Nassau, I felt at peace to be home again (there’s no place like home). Your posts inspire me, and I look forward to traveling to many places. #awesomeness

ianthia

August 15, 2017

Awesome, Kera! I’m so happy you can relate to these experiences. Travel is really a big teacher and teaches you so much about life and yourself. Keep travelling!

Carmen Moss

August 14, 2017

Loved your post and tips.
I would love to travel more, however I fear travelling alone….

ianthia

August 15, 2017

Hey Carmen, thanks for reading! I too am a little apprehensive about traveling alone, and have yet to go on my first solo trip, although I really want to. but you can totally travel with friends and family and coworkers, it’s what I do and I love it!